Project Masam has carried out a demolition operation on Wednesday (26 November), destroying 7,175 landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and other explosive threats in Wadi Dofas, located in Zinjibar district, in Yemen’s Abyan Governorate.
The bulk demolition was conducted by Special Task Team 1, as part of the project’s ongoing nationwide work to remove landmines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and unexploded remnants of war planted by Houthi forces. These items continue to endanger civilians across multiple governorates.
According to the breakdown provided, the materials destroyed included 17 anti-personnel mines, six anti-tank mines, 333 shells of various calibres, 255 fuses and detonators, 31 hand grenades, 6,521 rounds of ammunition and 12 missiles.
The operation also included large quantities of ERW collected by Project Masam teams working in Aden, Lahj, and Abyan, reflecting the wide geographic spread of contamination in Yemen’s southern governorates.
Speaking to the Media Office, Munther Ahmed Qasem, Leader of Special Task Team 1, stated that the operation was conducted “in a safe location away from populated areas and agricultural land,” in line with international explosive disposal standards. He acknowledged the operational challenges but noted that the team completed the task safely and effectively.
Qasem reiterated that Special Task Teams continue demolition operations throughout the year because of their importance in reducing immediate explosive risks to civilians. He affirmed the team’s commitment to continue this work until contaminated areas are cleared of hazardous remnants.
Project Masam maintains its humanitarian operations across heavily contaminated governorates to support the restoration of safe living conditions and reduce the long-term impact of landmine contamination on Yemeni communities.
